Not Just Another Week.

We face Holy Week next week, preceded by Palm/Passion Sunday. So many people have reacted with surprise when I mention that Palm Sunday is nearly here. Maybe it is due to the fact that Easter is early this year, and the weather, thus far in March, has been anything but spring-like. Nevertheless, the most sacred week in the Christian calendar is almost upon us. What I have discovered, over the years, is the disconnect that more and more people feel with the whole week, aside from Easter. I gave up holding a Maundy Thursday service on campus years ago, because almost no one attended. I was told by one person this year that Maundy Thursday is a "Catholic" holiday, and that Protestants do not observe it. He was wrong, of course, but that perception is widespread. I continue to offer a prayer service at noon on Good Friday, but the attendance is always very low. Our natural inclination as people, and as Christians, is to want to get past the hard stuff and get right to Easter. Good Friday is a downer, so we do our best not to think about it. And yet, how can we possibly celebrate Easter as we should if we have not been willing to look at the events that preceded the resurrection? Fair-weather Christianity is very popular in America, where we can always feel good and not have to deal with unpleasantries. However, I am encouraged by the election of Pope Francis, because he implores all who hear him preach to remember the poor, and he has expressed his vision of having a church that is poor so that the poor may be rich. I think he captures the spirit of the Holy Week message quite well. So, I challenge you to attend a Palm/Passion Sunday service this weekend, even if it has not been a part of your tradition until now. It is the way to best prepare for what is coming, and it is the time for each of us to ask ourselves if we can, indeed, stand with Christ as he faces his trial and crucifixion. For how can we look him in the face on Easter if we have abandoned him in the days leading up to his resurrection? May you have a meaningful Holy Week.